Description for Brahma Kamal, Epiphyllum oxypetalum

The Brahma Kamal is the most revered flower of the Himalayas. It is an excellent example of plant life at high mountains (3,000-4,600 m). The flowers found in monsoons and abundant in high-altitude places like The Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.

It blooms only once in 14 years. The bloom lasts only for a couple of hours so if you miss it, you have to wait for another 14 years.

The bloom lasts only for a couple of hours so if you miss it, you have to wait for another 14 years. The myth goes that every time a Brahma Kamal blooms, the wishes of the person(s) who see it blooming will come true.

In reality, the flower blooms once is a couple of years and not 14 years but watching it bloom is truly a spiritual experience.

The scientific name for this magical flower is Saussurea obvallata. As the scientific name indicates, it is actually a type of cactus although kamal means lotus.

Common name

Flower colours

Bloom time

Height

Difficulty

Brahma Kamal

White

June to September

0.3 m (1 ft)

Easy to grow

Planting and care

The plant must be planted just before winter. It is used to growing in the chilly Himalayan region, so a bit of favourable cold weather will help it grow better. To grow this flower you need plenty of indirect sunshine and, a very fertile but rocky soil.

We are not talking about the deeply silted soil of the lowlands but rough mountain soil. The soil needs to be well-draining soil so that it retains minimum water.

As the Brahma Kamal is a type of cactus, it does not need too much water.
You must water it once in two to three days unless you are in a really dry place.
Never over water this plant as it will get waterlogged and die.
This plant will never grow too tall.

It remains at the height of a shrub for years. Once it achieves its full height you can make cuttings out of it and plant them in separate pots. The blooming begins sometime in the late evening and the flower reaches its full bloom during or after 10 pm at night.

Sunlight

Soil

Water

Temperature

Fertilizer

Full Sun

Well-drained soil

Medium

19 to 25 degrees C

Apply any organic fertilizer

Caring for Brahma Kamal

Apply a high-potassium liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks from early spring until 6 weeks after flowering.

Keep moist in winter.

Harvesting

NA

Typical uses of Brahma Kamal

Special features: It is Used to treat cerebral ischemia and paralysis of the limbs. Infact we can say the entire plant is used.

Culinary use: NA

Ornamental use: The plant is used for an ornamental purpose.

Medicinal use: This plant is applied to cuts and bruises as local medicine. Brahma Kamal is s herb in Tibetan medicine and it is Sah-du Goh-ghoo.
It has a somewhat bitter taste and it promotes heat. It is Used to treat cerebral ischemia and paralysis of the limbs. In fact we can say the entire plant is used.
Note: The following information is general guidelines. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for guidelines.